Naryn

Not in the story-mood? Scroll down for the Quick Budget Fact Overview: an itemized information summary of Kyrgyzstan!

Naryn was a name I'd heard whispered on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, as a perfect pitstop on the journey to Osh. A welcome alternative to backtracking the monotonous road to the even more monotonous city of Bishkek, upon which I would have to take a 14-hr (!) bumpy shared-taxi-drive down south (something I am absolutely unwilling to do). Local wisdom had pointed me towards the option of heading to Balykchy on the western shore, then down to Naryn, onward to Kazarman, and finally, Osh, promising new yet unvisited routes and destinations, among which the famous Pamir Highway. On top of that, there was supposed to be a folk festival going on in Naryn, which is the type of event, lifting the veal of local culture, that never fails to lure me in. Two travel motives which, in retrospect, were both faulty and utterly disappointing.

The Journey

The grand plan commenced with a painful 5AM alarm to catch the very first mashrutka from Tamga, a small hamlet on the shores of Issyk-Kul. I was first in line, practically gleaming with early-bird efficiency, but to my great dismay they only wanted to board full-fare passengers going all the way to Bishkek. My half-way fare was clearly an affront to their business model. So, my brutally early alarm, it turned out, was for absolutely no reason whatsoever. My cue to hitchhiking!

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A friendly trucker came to my rescue, depositing me in Balykchy, from where cheap marshrutkas to Naryn are supposedly abundant. However, the local taxi drivers, with astonishing unanimity, decided to plain out lie to me, insisting no such mashrutkas even existed (a common approach). They then quoted me truly astronomical rates of around 5000 KGS (about 50 euros) for the relatively short journey to Naryn – a truly audacious figure, considering the average monthly salary here hovers around 300 euros, and triple the distance Naryn-Bishkek costs a mere 5 bucks. This is a side of Kyrgyzstan I passionately dislike: I don’t mind to pay 10% or so more (not x10 though), even though I’m really not as rich as you think I am… but it’s the dishonesty and disrespect shown by treating me like I’m an idiot who doesn’t understand what’s going on, what truly bothers me. After some spirited negotiation (and being made to feel like I was single-handedly dismantling the national economy – while, mind you, I still saw my fellow passengers paying significantly less) we settled on 8 bucks. The car felt like it was on the verge of spontaneous combustion, the driver had a fascinating habit of constantly pulling out his ear hair, and then, midway through the trip, he randomly decided to attend a funeral. While we all sat there, patiently waiting in the boiling hot car. A unique approach to customer service, dodging all consideration after you've paid.

Naryn

Naryn has a name synonymous with the horse meat dish also dubbed as Beshbarmak, the national pride of both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (but prepared significantly better by the latter). I found a city that feels small, but is stretched out endlessly like a leisurely ribbon along the river, making a simple end-to-end drive at least an hour-long commitment, if not more. I snagged a private room in a homestay – the quintessential Kyrgyz accommodation, where locals open up spare rooms for a bit of extra income – for an incredibly modest 7.50 Euros. It was here, at a small desk in my quiet room, that I found my much-needed travel sanity amidst the quiet hum of mountain life. Full-time travel demands these moments of respite, these pockets of quiet for writing, reflecting, and just being.

Naryn isn't exactly a city that screams for attention, nor does it bombard you with must-see attractions. You can explore every sight, significant or not, via a useful free Izi App audio tour. Courtesy of US Aid… quite the geopolitical paradox, funding hiking trails and city tours here in Kyrgyzstan, while bombing the almost-neighbors in Iran to pieces. Sights in Naryn are few. There's a small culture museum, and a rather striking mosque, its elegant silhouette sharply contrasting against the barren mountain backdrop. Be warned, however: non-Muslims aren't permitted inside. A university dots the far edge of town, but its architecture won't be winning any awards (and it's a long way out, I only stumbled upon it en-route to, hopefully, Kazarman). The modestly sized city centre pulsates with the energy of a chaotic marketplace, where you can find anything you might need or might not need at all. There's also a theatre, though it was dormant during my visit. Most tourists stick with one sight, and one sight only though: The Nomad Café, the only location I traced down in a month of traveling Kyrgyzstan serving actual coffee. You know, from beans. Weak nevertheless, but within a context of instant-hell a near-religious experience.

That folk festival that formed one of my main motivations to travel down here though? No one had even heard of it. Especially nobody at the CBT.

* A quick note of caution for fellow wanderers: I popped into the local CBT (Community Based Tourism) office, which supposedly functions as a hiking and tourist info hub. In Naryn, and indeed in all my experiences across Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek, Karakol), I've found these institutions to be, uhm, less than stellar. More often than not, they seem to be staffed by teenagers with zero idea about mountaineering conditions, local trails, or pretty much anything beyond the bus schedule. The information they do provide is often incorrect (a critical flaw when discussing mountain hazards!), and they have an irritating habit of overcharging for everything from maps (double the price) to tours (2-3 times the cost of other agencies).

Salkyn-Tor National Park

Salkyn-Tor is a place of stark, rugged beauty. Its landscapes are a testament to ancient tectonic forces, featuring deep, eroded valleys, towering rock formations, and arid plains. Geologically, it’s an assembly of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water into Dali’istic (is that a word?) shapes. While not as lush as the alpine meadows of the Tien Shan, Salkyn-Tor boasts a surprisingly resilient flora – hardy shrubs, various grasses, and even a smattering of wildflowers that burst forth in the springtime when I visited, defying the otherwise barren conditions. Its fauna allows for mountain goat sightings, various species of eagles, and the ever-elusive snow leopard you are however very unlikely to spot (luckily?). Historically, this region has long been a passage for nomadic peoples and likely held significance along ancient Silk Road routes, with hints of past human presence visible in scattered petroglyphs and burial mounds. It’s a place where natural history and human endeavour intertwine.

Fresh off the heels of conquering two multi-day trails, the Ak-Suu Traverse and the Nomad Valley Trail, my feet were very much in recovery mode. Thoughts of another arduous climb filled me with a weary sigh. Yet, here I was, rubbing shoulders with the Salkyn-Tor National Park, a protected natural area nestled near the edge of Naryn. To be so close and not dedicate at least a day to it felt like a fundamental betrayal of my hiking spirit. So, with a reluctant sense of duty (and a whisper of curiosity), I set off. My digital hiking compass, Wikiloc, offered a promising half-day loop not too far from my accommodation. Unfortunately, this app comes with a certain caution: anyone can log anything. This means you might stumble upon a meticulously mapped, beautifully maintained route, or you might find yourself following the whimsical meanderings of someone’s particularly ill-advised shortcut. There’s no differentiating between the sublime and the utterly ridiculous until you’re knee-deep in it. The Salkyn-Tor trail I chose started immediately with a climb, featuring an almost vertical section to a mountain top. Having yet to encounter a single "easy" hike in Kyrgyzstan, this was not unexpected. The area was undeniably spectacular, with sweeping vistas opening up as I ascended. A delightful bonus was that roughly half of the route even had some semblance of a trail – a rare luxury in this country.

It promised to be a nice little loop trail, indeed. However, as it began its descent back, that’s where the "nice" part decided to vacate the premises. The lower valley, it turned out, was completely overgrown with thick, impenetrable thorn bushes. Each step forward resulted in a new scratch, a fresh tear in my trousers, a new string of colourful profanities under my breath. It was an absolutely impossible situation to get through without serious injury or a full suit of medieval armour. My inner mountain goat took over and decided to clamber straight up the mountainside, a desperate, hand-and-feet climbing sprint fueled by ultimate energy input. Thankfully, I have the peculiar knack for navigating such impromptu vertical escapes, however, this is certainly not a recommendation. To spare future adventurers the agony, I added warning signs to my Wikiloc recording. Mark my words: whatever you do, when you reach the point where the trail seems to loop back via the lower valley onwards from a little farm you might spot, do NOT be tempted. It feels like the easy way out. It is not. Head up the mountain rim, from here still a gradual ascend (later on it isn’t anymore), hug the contours of the high ground, even if it feels counter-intuitive. Your skin will thank you.
It's also crucial to understand that this region is a world apart from the more moderate and river-rich climates of the Tien Shan area south of Karakol and Issyk-Kul. This is a very different climatic zone altogether. Whereas those areas boast lush valleys and plentiful, snow-fed rivers, Salkyn Tor’s landscapes are arid and barren, offering no shade and very limited water sources. Therefore, preparedness is key. Leave early or late (but not too late) to avoid the hottest moments of the day. Carry as much water as you are physically capable of – 3 liters, or even more, is a non-negotiable minimum. Cover your head thoroughly, and slather on plenty of high-SPF sunscreen.

* Upon request (and payment, of course) you can witness demonstrations of the nomadic eagle hunting techniques. Probably cheaper arranged via Visit Kyrgyzstan, local travel agencies or surrounding yurt camps than by the CBT.

So… can you travel from Naryn to Osh?

The short answer is: no. Unless, that is, you happen to have rented a trusty 4x4 or have a private chariot awaiting (for which you'll fork out a sum likely north of $120 – a figure that, much like the roads themselves, is prone to inflation). Before even heading to Naryn, a chorus of well-meaning Kyrgyz locals elsewhere in the country had assured me of regular marshrutka connections, which had prompted my decision to go here. This option, however, was swiftly debunked upon arrival in Naryn. Every local I spoke to greeted my query with a shake of the head: no public transport, what do I say, not even any sliver of traffic! Yet, being an optimist (or perhaps, a glutton for punishment), I wasn't quite ready to wave the white flag. I decided to at least dedicate a day to an honest attempt of hitchhiking to put that 'no' to the ultimate test.

My journey began with a taxi ride to the very edge of Naryn, near the university – a surprisingly long haul from the town centre. Almost immediately, I scored a ride: with two fellow Dutchies, no less! They were headed for Baetov for some horseback riding. Unfortunately, in my enthusiasm and unfamiliarity with the area, I sailed right past what Google Maps optimistically described as the turn-off to Kazarman, supposedly already halfway there. A quick U-turn (or rather, a reverse hitchhike) brought me back to that crucial junction. This is where Google Maps revealed its true nature in the remote reaches of Kyrgyzstan though: a work of pure fiction. The "road" it so confidently suggested had utterly ceased to exist. Excellent. Undeterred (mostly), I hitchhiked another 45 minutes back, to just passed the turn-off to Son-Kul Lake, a popular tourist hotspot, to find the actual Kazarman turn-off. Looking less than promising… an entirely deserted dirt road, swirling into the dusty distance. I settled down, prepared for a loooong wait. Half an hour passed. Not a single vehicle. Then, a glimmer of hope! A car, going into my direction! Unfortunately, it only took me 20 minutes further to a tiny, nameless village – so small it barely registered on any map. And there, life stopped. The place was dead. Literally. I saw more dead inhabitants (at the local adobe graveyard) than alive ones. The existing traffic light stood stoically unplugged, because, well… there wasn’t any traffic. For three excruciating hours, I sat. I squinted. I hoped. I willed a vehicle into existence on that swirling dirt track leading into a mountain pass behind which Kazarman was hidden (a mere 100km away, a distance I might have walked if provisions and sanity allowed). Yet, it remained stubbornly out of reach. The only thing passing was time. After 180 long minutes, I accepted defeat.

No Osh for me, as very few destinations are worth 7+14 hours of uncomfortable travel. But that also meant: Goodbye Kyrgyzstan. If the only way out of Naryn was a forced unwanted backtrack to the sweltering chaos of Bishkek, then Kyrgyzstan and I were due for a separation. I’m over it. Uzbekistan, with its significantly better-maintained roads, was suddenly looking very appealing.

But… not before I would do one more long hike. I might not have been too impressed by the attitude of many Kyrgyz people (especially compared to their Kazakh and Uzbek neighbors), the local money-hunger and its nightmare-roads limiting easy accessibility… for hiking this place is a winner. So one more, in its honor. And Naryn serves as an excellent launchpad.

Beyond the aforementioned options in Salkyn Tor National Park, Naryn offers a few multi-day possibilities:

Sol-Kul Lake Loops – many combinations possible, generally 50-100km
Naryn to Kel Suu – 140km 1-way, starting from Ak-Muz it’s 110km (although most people book organized tours to Kel Suu and then do an easy short hike from there)
But my eyes – and my weary but willing legs – landed squarely on the Tash Rabat Loop - 52km. Charted as a horseback-riding trail, I was entirely unsure if it was possible to walk it, but I was willing to try. This route promised to marry one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic Silk Road caravanserais, Tash Rabat, with a genuinely demanding trek. In two days I would tackle three mountain passes, two of which soar higher than anything I’ve previously scaled in Kyrgyzstan (4000m+), even surpassing the famed Ak-Suu Traverse.

Read the hiking guide and my experiences on the Tash Rabat Loop here.

Quick Budget Fact Overview

Kyrgyzstan Facts

Capital: Bishkek
Language: Kyrgyz, Russian
Population: ± 7.1 mln
Sq km: ± 199,951
Currency: Som (с - KGS)
Electricity Outlet: C+F / 220 V / 50 Hz
Country Code Phone: +996
Emergency Phone: 112 general, 101 fire, 102 police, 103 ambulance, (03657) 5-13-87 mountain rescue
Visa: Many nationalities get 60 days. If your country is not included, an e-visa can be requested here. https://evisa-e-gov.kg/
Vaccinations: None mandatory, although it’s recommended to get vaccinated against Hepatitus-A and B, Typhoid and Tetanus
Climate: Arid / Semi-Arid Climate (B). (Subtropical in Fergana Valley, Dry-Continental-Polar in higher Tian Shan Mountains).
High season: May-August

Short History Recap

8th century: Arab invaders in Central Asia. Islam. 10th-13th centuries: Kyrgyz people to the Tian-Shan. Turkish rule. 1685: Area conquered by the Oirats / Mongol. 1758: Chinese empire. Early 1800s: Uzbek khanate of Kokand. 1876: Russian empire. 1916-17: Anti-Russian rebellion Central Asia repressed. ‘17-23: October Revolution, Civil War. ‘20s/’30s: Soviet land reforms, state-owned farms. Defeats the traditional nomadic life. Members of opposing intelligentsia imprisoned / executed. ’21: Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR) within Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic (RSFSR). ’24: Kara-Kirgiz Autonomous Region. ’36: Kirgiz Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) becomes republic within USSR. ’90: State of emergency after 100s people are killed in interethnic clashes between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz around Osh. ’91: Kirgizia gets name Kyrgyzstan, independent. ’92: UN. Economic reform program. ’93: Som as currency (formerly Russian rubble). ’98: Suspension death penalty announced. ’99: Troops to free by Islamic militants near Tajik border. 2000: Border deal with China. ’03: Putin opens Russian air base at Kant, near base used by US forces. ’06: President Bakiyev signs new constitution after mass protests demanding resignation: Limits his powers. Government resigns. ’07: Government resigns again. Prime Minister Almaz Atabayev poisoned. ’08: Earthquake kills 65 in Osh. ’09: Closure of US air base, after $2bn in loans / aid from Russia. Nevertheless continued after US pays more than triple of annual rent. Kyrgyzstan allows Russia to establish a 2nd military base. ’10: 200+ killed in clashes between Kyrgyz and Uzbek ethnic communities in Osh and Jalalabad. Referendum: a new constitution reducing the powers of the presidency and turning country into a parliamentary republic. ’14: US air base closed.

Budget Bites

Main Supermarket Chains: Globus, non-chain supermarkets.
Local Dishes: Tandyr Nan (traditional bread), Plov/Paloo (signature rice dish), Shashlik (grilled meat skewer), Naryn (boiled horse meat cut into thin strips, with cold noodles and hot broth), Samsa (pastry, standard street food), Kazy (horsemeat sausage), Ashlyam-Fu (cold Kyrgyz soup), Lazy (spicy seasoning), Tash-Kordo (stone or oven grilled lamb), Shurugan (fried onions in ghee with milk), Oromo (Kyrgyz lumpia), Hoshany (minced meat pies, Uyghur cuisine), Kattama (flaky tortillas covered in a crispy crust and fried onions), Zhuurat (sheep or goat yoghurt), Jansak (dessert containing ghee, nuts and honey), Laghman (hand pulled noodle dish), Manti (dumplings), Ganfan (spicy meat and vegetable dish over steamed rice), Beshbarmak (minced mutton poured over hand-cut noodles), Kuurdak (fried marinated meat, onions, and potatoes), Shorpo (Kyrgyz chicken soup), Chechil (braided cheese, bar snack), Dimlama (hearty, stewed vegetables).
The Veg Situation: Being vegetarian or vegan could be complicated in Kyrgyzstan, as their cuisine is incredibly meat-centered. Eggs and broth can also be found in most dishes. Remaining true to your diet will probably require you mainly cooking your own meals. Veg restaurants (almost all located in Bishkek, a select few in Karakol) can be found here https://www.happycow.net/asia/kyrgyzstan/ . Local veg dishes: Potato Samsa, Lazy, Veg Ashlyan-Fu, Oromo (enquire about meat in ingredients, there are veg versions), Potato Manti, Jansak, Dimlama (sometimes comes with meat, so enquire in advance), Salads (Salat Shirin, with crunchy marinated eggplant, is delicious).
National Drink: Chalap (fermented dairy drink), Maksym (fermented roasted grain drink, "liquid bread"), Kumys (fermented mare’s milk), Ozo (millet-corn drink, 4-6% alcohol), Dzarma (alcoholic barley drink).

Sleep Cheap

Hostels / Hotels / Guesthouses: You’ll notice that Kyrgyzstan is quite affordable, also when it comes to accommodation. This excludes the very touristy areas around Altyn-Aryshan and Ala-Kol Lake, where mass tourism sparked some shiny dollar signs in the local’s eyes. Guesthouses and homestays are the main offer, often including a simple but hearty home-made breakfast. The bigger cities also offer hostels, with very cheap beds in shared dormitories. However, be aware that even if you book (and pay for) a private room, like I usually did, they will try to put strangers in your room as soon as they realize you are traveling solo. It always caused an uncomfortable discussion. The reason for this can be found in many homestay-owners not really understanding online booking platforms, and therefore listing a private room while they actually mean a private bed. Another reason might be Kyrgyz culture, and entire families being used to sharing a bedroom with one another, not realizing that foreigners might not appreciate this. After a few of these instances, I always send a message ahead to confirm I truly do have a private room. Keep in mind that almost every accommodation only accepts payment in cash. Writer’s choice: I stayed in 2 different private rooms in affordable homestays I found on Booking.com.
Couchsurfing: allows you to stay with locals. Nowadays it has a moderate sign-up cost (unless you put a third-world country as homebase), but paying extra for verification is unnecessary: Positive reviews are way more important. Once active, there are no costs for staying at someone’s house. In order to get accepted, make sure to write an elaborate request explaining why you applied to this specific profile and think you and your host are a good match (copy-pastes tend to be ignored). The Couchsurfing community in Kyrgyzstan is not big, but exists. Cyclists may also use Warm Showers, which is in principal a bikepacking community focussing on 1-night stays.
Wild Camping: is entirely legal in Kyrgyzstan, about anywhere you go. Avoid private land, obviously.

Mama Said

Safety: Kyrgyzstan is a pretty safe country, with a relatively low crime rate and few reported incidents involving foreign visitors. You’ll notice that the Kyrgyz people mainly keep to themselves, and generally won’t bother you (unless some money can be made).
Money: While some bigger supermarkets or hotels offer card payments, cash is the way to go in Kyrgyzstan. Many places offer a QR code payment, but this is for Kyrgyz banks only. Always carry sufficient cash money, as ATMs are only available in bigger towns and cities.
Negotiating: I am sorry to have to conclude it, but where the northern neighbours in Kazakhstan tend to have a culture of giving, Kyrgyzstan has a culture of taking. Money, that is. Always, and always more. The locals definitely aren’t unfriendly, but they do see you as a walking wallet, that’s just how I felt treated after an extended period of time in this country. The reason can be found in Kyrgyzstan actually having quite a high number of tourists in certain areas, while Kazakhstan basically has none outside of the Almaty area. Wherever there are no written down prices, you’ll likely to be charged double. Therefore, inform yourself in advance about certain prices, so you have a base for negotiation. You’ll still be paying more than the locals will, but not as outrageous as their first attempt. It’s tiring, honestly.
Tap Water: is safe to drink, although not everyone’s stomach is resistant to it. I drank tap water my entire stay without issues. When hiking, I used a filter, as cattle is all around. When cooking, the act of boiling already kills the bacteria.
The best credit/debit card for traveling is Wise, as they use the live conversion rates with minimal exchange fees. Wise also has the lowest fees for sending money to foreign accounts. Revolut is comparable, but they have higher exchange fees in the weekend and less wallet-options. Also, you can only wire money to Revolut in the currency you opened the account with, whereas Wise has IBAN’s from a wide variety of currencies, so you don’t have to pay a double exchange fee. Some Kyrgyz ATMs charge a fee for cash outs, but not all. Always make sure to carry enough cash around, as this is the most common payment method.
Simcard: Buying a local simcard, mainly containing unlimited calls and data, is incredibly cheap. The main providers are Megacom, O! and Beeline. I have a relatively good experience with O!, but it didn’t work in the mountains (as I have heard from others, no provider seems to). In Bishkek, the best place to buy a simcard is at the Tsum Aichurok shopping centre, although in the capital you’ll see street vendors all around. Avoid buying it at an elevated rate at the airport. You need to bring an ID. An odd thing is that they’ll ask you to register your simcard with the government within 30 days (for a fee that’s higher than the simcard cost), which can be done at a very chaotic desk at the highest floor of the Tsum Aichurok shopping centre. However, they’ll require a visa for it, which most visitors simply don’t have as 60 visa-free days are granted. As such, you can’t register it. For some people this results in an immediate blockage, some (like me) just don’t have an issue. I honestly didn’t even try, I figure I wait and see what happens (nothing happened). You can just risk it, especially if you’re staying less than a month. If you’re staying longer, just buy a new sim with a different ID.
Campers among us, I recommend buying all gear you might need in Bishkek, as it gets harder to trace it down outside of the capital. Especially camping gas, which I found at Red Fox (expensive), as well as in Novatex and Alex (cheaper). Expect gear and clothing to have standard western prices, it’s not really affordable whatsoever as it’s the tourist that buy this stuff, not the locals… but at least it’s available.

Transport

Walking: The central area of Naryn with the main attractions (as far as there are any) is rather compact, and can be explored on foot.
Cycling: Due to the bad road conditions and complete chaos of traffic, it’s not recommended.
Public Transport: Buses and minibuses (mashrutkas) are the main way to get around town. Unlike in Kazakhstan, people actually pay for the buses here. You pay the driver directly, preferably in exact cash. It is incredibly cheap, we’re talking about cents. Yandex Maps or 2gis can be used to find public transport connections, Google Maps doesn’t properly work for that purpose in Kyrgyzstan. City buses stop at designated bus stops. Mashrutkas or shared taxis can be hailed down anywhere. Mashrutkas are also the main form of city-to-city transportation, you’ll hardly find big buses. They don’t tend to run on a specific time schedule, but leave when they’re full. For less-visited destinations, you’ll need to take a shared taxi. They also leave when they reached their 5 passengers, which may take a while. In Kyrgyzstan, they will generally charge you a much higher rate if you look like a foreigner, up to more than double (sometimes they even put an extra “0” after the amount). Therefore, I always checked in advance at my guesthouse or with a local what the actual going rate is and prepared that in exact cash, to not be ripped off. Sometimes I still had to pay a bit extra, but at least it was limited.
Train: Unlike in Kazakhstan, train travel doesn’t really exist here. There is an underdeveloped line from Bishkek to Balykchy (on the eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul), but it’s more suitable for the enthusiasts compared to those who just prefer efficient travel.
Taxi / Uber: Yandex Go is the main taxi app, only available in the bigger cities.
Car Rental: is surprisingly expensive in Kyrgyzstan, surpassing the rates that can be found in western countries. The reason for this is that it’s catered to tourists, not to locals, so one will always pay top dollar.
Hitchhiking: is very common in Kyrgyzstan, especially on trajectories where public transportation is limited. You’ll notice entire families standing on the roadside, pointing down their index finger to the road as to indicate this act. After inquiry with a local tourist office, I was ensured that payment is in these cases not expected and even refused. However, in reality, this seemed to be untrue. I would in most cases persistently be asked for money (and always more), and if they don’t, they have never ever refused it when I offered. Not trying to insult here, simply stating facts of a 1.5 month stay.

Next?

In Kyrgyzstan: Tash Rabat, Lake Issyk-Kul, Bishkek.
International Destinations Close By: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China.

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